November 5th1605 signifies the failed attempt of Guy Fawkes to remove King James I from the throne, and restore Britain’s Catholic monarchy by blowing up the houses of Parliament. Bonfire or fireworks night has become an English tradition – setting off fireworks with the local community, centred around a Bonfire.

Local, Bars, Clubs and Pubs have great fun dressing up their establishments for a fun night for all, often promoting happy hour and special drinks promotions. Some even, if in the right location; have their own bonfire and fireworks display. Usually these themed nights will require a ticket and/or an enhanced door entry fee. Don’t forget your ID for clubs

For those of you who decided to go to university this autumn, you might be thinking about the art of making friends. Of course, the truth is there isn’t really an art – just be yourself and you’ll be great at making friends, right? But hang on a minute… when you throw in the excitement of a new town or city, possibly a new house, new studying responsibilities and new nightlife to explore, maybe making friends at uni could be more of an overwhelming idea than you first thought.

Here’s a little guidance if need inspiration for bonding with your fellow students.

Going out

Many students make friends on a night out on one of the hundreds of freshers events that happen in the first couple of weeks at university. This is certainly not a bad place to start, so get to the freshers fair or student union to find out what’s on. Don’t forget to take your proof of age card wherever you go out, so that you don’t get turned away in front of your potential new mates. My ID Card is an official proof of age card accepted by doormen, bar staff and supermarkets. It only costs £15 so it suits your uni budget and it’s also less risky than carrying around your £80 passport. Read more →

Heading off for your first year at University?

This is often the first time, you have been away from home for any length of time. Freshers’ Week can be very daunting however, with so much to look forward to it is also very exciting.

It’s worth remembering that all Fresher Students are in the same boat – it’s their first time at this University too, so if you don’t know anyone – be friendly and helpful and try to be confident as this will help you make friends quickly. Aside from school, most long term friendships and even relationships start at University.

Use the week wisely to find your way around campus. Discover what else goes on in your department and remember where your main lecture halls are located. Begin filling in your academic diary with your rota and collect campus maps and useful information sheets from main reception.

Ensure that your personal property is always safe i.e. laptops IPad’s, gaming stations etc. should always be put away out of sight. Ensure that all windows on lower floors are shut and doors are locked when leaving your accommodation. Arrange insurance or ask your parents to check their household insurance as it may cover such items.

Meetings with your tutors and lecturers are important, be sure to attend. First impressions last – so get a full 8 hours’ kip in before these meetings – a hang over and bedhead is not a great look!

Register with a local Doctor and Dentist and explore the extracurricular clubs or join the gym to keep those pangs of homesickness away.

If you are in Halls of Residence, then you have probably packed some snacks, but take a good look around campus and find the bars, shops and restaurants. You will need energy food, especially if you are going to burn the candle at both ends during Freshers’ busy social calendar!

On campus, you will have your student pass but this won’t be good enough as proof of age if you are enjoying a night out on the town. My ID card is widely accepted in bars, clubs and restaurants. Accredited to the PASS Proof of age scheme, it is nationally recognised and supported by the Home Office, The National Police Chief Council and the Security Industry Authority. Assurance to Landlords and club owners that you are old enough to buy alcohol.

With so many products with age restrictions for example, your emergency first aid kit – Ibuprofen or Paracetamol and of course re-hydration products, MY ID Card is the safest choice for the chemist, supermarket, petrol station, local pub and just about anywhere requiring a Photo ID to prove your age.

Of course, money is going to be tight so you will want to save a penny or two wherever possible. If you lost your Passport or Driving Licence on a night out, you will have to stump up £86.00 to replace it with up to a three weeks for it to arrive.

My ID Card from just £15.00, is a much cheaper option with delivery usually within five working days. Furthermore, you will receive 12 months’ membership to My ID rewards, enabling you to buy shopping cards with discounts from 3% to 15% across the leading supermarkets and many top named high street stores.

Most of the cards are re-loadable too – How great would it be if Mum could load credit onto your supermarket card so you don’t go hungry or even worse… thirsty!

It is not compulsory to drink yourself under the table every night, after all it’s not one big party, you chose University so that you could broaden your academic knowledge and gain those all-important qualifications for your chosen career path. Don’t waste this fantastic opportunity but do make sure you have lots of fun along the way. Freshers’ Week only happens once – ENJOY!

There’s something about parties and nights out in the summer that are just a little more exciting than any other time of year. The sunny vitamin D is in abundance, the warm weather allows for a more interesting array of outfits and the nights are lighter making everyone feel lively and fun. So where are the summer parties at? We’ve done another one of our handy lists of where you can go to have a good time this summer. You’ll need your over 18 ID though, if you’re asked to prove your age. We recommend our PASS ID card like My ID Card.

Outdoor cinema

These are popping up all over the place now and we can see why they are so popular! Eating popcorn under the stars while watching your favourite movie is a lovely way to spend a summer evening. Look around online for your nearest outdoor cinema. Don’t forget your over 18 ID if you’re planning on using the bar or seeing an 18+ film.

Cocktail night

Scope out your local town for bars doing 2 for 1 cocktail nights. You shouldn’t have to look far! Get your glad rags on, have some alfresco Daiquiris and dance the night away with your mates.

Pub garden by the river

It’s so much better to be by the water in summertime isn’t it? Sipping on a cold pint or glass of wine, chatting with your friends and feeling a little bit like you’re on holiday abroad. Find your nearest river pub garden pull a few benches together and invite your greatest amigos for a sunny evening out. Read more →

The season of sizzling sausages, mojitos and late balmy nights is happening right now, and you want your BBQ party to be one of the best nights of the summer, right? So we’ve made you a handy list of things you need to prep for your tropical party. From boozy ice buckets, to your PASS ID card to take to the supermarket, we’ve done the thinking for you so that all you need to concentrate on is having fun.

Meat and salad (don’t forget the buns!)

Keep it simple with burgers and sausages, or experiment with marinated chicken legs and spicy ribs if you’re feeling more adventurous. You could even try a seafood barbecue if you fancy giving your party a Mediterranean twist. Stock up on charcoal too – the self lighting bags are the easiest.

Ice bucket for drinks. Oh, and the drinks of course

There’s nothing worse than a warm beer, or worse still a tepid wine (sick mask emoji). Be kind to you and your guests and fill a bucket with ice and very cold water to keep your bottles in. Let’s be honest, there’s never enough room in the fridge for all that meat and booze. When you’re buying your drinks, don’t go without your PASS ID card, which you’ll need if you’re asked to prove your age. PASS ID cards are easy to apply for and are accepted in supermarkets, bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs.

Sun cream

Pink isn’t a good look, and you want to preserve that beautiful skin don’t you? Add a bottle of factor 30 to your trolley so none of your friends rock that late night lobster look. Read more →

Festival Fever – Save the Date.

You could take your passport to the festival – or your driving licence. But that’s risky. Where are you going to keep it safe? Is it worth leaving it in your tent for a not so-friendly visitor to take?

May Bank Holiday is set to be scorcher, what better way to chill out than planning your Festival calendar and your ID options.